The Gunnison River has cut a gorge through some of the oldest rock in North America, and it is narrower and darker than any canyon you have seen: walls of black schist and gneiss, laced with pink veins, dropping nearly vertically for more than 2,000 feet. Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a small park with a short rim road — and one of the most vertiginous views in the West.
Best things to do in Black Canyon
South Rim Road overlooks
A road of about 7 miles with a dozen overlooks, most a short walk from the car: Gunnison Point by the visitor center, Pulpit Rock, Chasm View where the canyon is narrowest, and Sunset View at the end.
2The Painted Wall
The tallest cliff in Colorado, its dark face striped with pale pink pegmatite veins like a giant’s brushstrokes. Best in the afternoon light.
3East Portal Road
A very steep, winding road down to the river at the upstream end of the canyon, with picnic spots and fishing. Vehicles over 22 feet are not allowed; it closes in winter.
4Warner Point and Rim Rock trails
Short rim trails through pinyon and juniper, with views down to the river and across to the West Elk Mountains.
5The North Rim
Quieter, wilder and reached by a gravel road from Crawford, closed in winter. The overlooks are even more vertical.
Why go: the canyon you look down, not across
The Grand Canyon is wide and colorful; the Black Canyon is narrow, dark and brutally deep. Fewer people visit, the overlooks are minutes from the car, and you can see the whole South Rim in a morning. Inner-canyon routes are unmaintained, extremely steep and need a wilderness permit — for experienced scramblers only.
Black Canyon entrance fees and reservations
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Private vehicle, 7 days | $30 |
| On foot or by bike, per person | $15 |
| America the Beautiful annual pass | US residents $80 · non-residents $250 — covers the whole car and the $100 fee |
Cashless at the entrance station and campgrounds.
- No vehicle reservation required.
When to go
May to October: everything is open, with warm days and cool nights on the rim. Winter brings snow; the South Rim Road is plowed only to Gunnison Point and the rest becomes a ski and snowshoe trail, while the North Rim and East Portal roads close. The park is also a designated dark-sky park: stay for the stars on a moonless night.
Where to stay in Black Canyon
The park has campgrounds on both rims; the nearest hotels are in Montrose.
Montrose
$$$$Best for: the South Rim
A small city with chain hotels and restaurants, about 25 minutes from the visitor center, and an airport.
Hotels in Montrose partner linkOuray
$$$$Best for: combining with the San Juans
The mountain town at the start of the Million Dollar Highway, about an hour south.
Hotels in Ouray partner linkBlack Canyon: your questions
How deep is the Black Canyon of the Gunnison?
Over 2,000 feet at many points, while being only a few hundred yards wide at its narrowest — which is what makes it so dark.
Is Black Canyon of the Gunnison worth it?
Yes, especially as a stop between Colorado’s mountains and the Utah parks: half a day gives you the main overlooks.
Which rim is better, North or South?
The South Rim for a first visit: a paved road, the visitor center and the most overlooks. The North Rim is quieter and wilder.
Can you drive to the bottom of the Black Canyon?
Yes, at one place only: the East Portal Road, steep and closed in winter, with a 22-foot vehicle limit.
Written by Kylian Dev · Last reviewed October 21, 2026. Prices are in US dollars, before sales tax.